Pouka Site Directory

PORTRAIT FOUNDATIONS

How to Commission a Custom Pet Portrait

What Does a Custom Pet Portrait Cost?

Can You Create a Portrait from Old or “Bad” Photos?

Storyscapes

Signature Portraits

Memorial Portraits

What to Look for in a Pet Portrait Artist

The Commission Process

Framing Your Painting

The Portrait Gift

UPCOMING EVENTS

Featured

People, Pets, and Equine Mastery: A Hybrid Artist Workshop (Lancaster, PA)

Sep 28

September 28, 2026 – September 30, 2026

People, Pets, and Equine Mastery: A Hybrid Artist Workshop (Lancaster, PA)

September 28, 2026 – September 30, 2026

Hybrid Artist Workshop – Lancaster, PA

September 28-30, 2026

This Hybrid Artist Workshop is a three-day, in-person experience for ten photographers who want to explore painterly, mixed media artwork using a hybrid workflow that blends modern digital tools with traditional finishes.

Co-taught with Judy Reinford, the workshop focuses on transforming existing photographs into painterly, art-forward pieces. While equine imagery may be used as part of demonstrations or discussion, the techniques taught are not subject-specific and can be applied to a wide range of photographic work.

In the classroom, Judy leads instruction on using Photoshop and generative compositing tools to enhance photographs and build cohesive, painterly foundations designed for print. The emphasis is on artistic intent, decision-making, and creating images that translate beautifully into physical artwork.

The workshop then moves from screen to canvas. I guide participants through materials, preparation, and hands-on acrylic embellishment, adding texture, depth, and a hand-finished quality that elevates the final piece into a mixed media artwork.

Hybrid Artist Workshops are intentionally small and taught in person, allowing for individual attention, thoughtful discussion, and real-time guidance throughout the process. The focus is on control, craftsmanship, and understanding how digital and traditional techniques work together, regardless of subject matter.

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September 28, 2026 – September 30, 2026

The Embellished Canvas Workshop (Grove City, Ohio)

Nov 7

November 7, 2026

The Embellished Canvas Workshop (Grove City, Ohio)

November 7, 2026

The Embellished Canvas is a focused, single-day workshop built around the part of the process I know best: taking a printed image and turning it into a finished, hand-painted piece using acrylic paint and gel. You'll leave with a completed embellished canvas, a working knowledge of materials and technique, and a set of brushes to keep practicing with.

This class is sponsored by Professional Photographers of Ohio to be a PPA Merited Class. PPA members in good standing receive a continuing education merit for attending.

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November 7, 2026

Beyond the Photograph: A Hybrid Artist Workshop (Charlotte, NC)

Jan 27

January 27, 2027 – January 29, 2027

Beyond the Photograph: A Hybrid Artist Workshop (Charlotte, NC)

January 27, 2027 – January 29, 2027

Hybrid Artist Workshop – Charlotte, North Carolina

January 27-29, 2027

This Hybrid Artist Workshop is a three-day, in-person experience for photographers who want to explore painterly, mixed media artwork using a hybrid workflow that blends modern digital tools with traditional finishes.

Co-taught with Judy Reinford, this workshop focuses on transforming existing photographs into painterly, art-forward pieces through intentional compositing and creative decision-making. The techniques taught are not subject-specific and can be applied across a wide range of photographic work, including pets, people, and fine art imagery.

In the classroom, Judy leads instruction on using Photoshop and generative compositing tools to enhance photographs and build cohesive foundations designed for print. The emphasis is on control, artistic intent, and creating images that translate successfully into physical artwork.

The workshop then moves from screen to canvas. I guide participants through materials, preparation, and hands-on acrylic embellishment, adding texture, depth, and a hand-finished quality that elevates the final piece into a mixed media artwork.

This workshop is limited to fifteen participants, allowing for meaningful interaction, guided instruction, and collaborative discussion while still providing individual support throughout the process.

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January 27, 2027 – January 29, 2027

NEWS & ARTICLES

Featured

Judging Photography at Arts in the Alley

August 4, 2026

Judging Photography at Arts in the Alley

August 4, 2026

This September, I'll once again have the privilege of judging the Photography Show at Grove City's Arts in the Alley.

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August 4, 2026

Grove City Artist Danica Barreau Named 2026 Artist of the Year by Professional Photographers of Ohio

July 22, 2026

Grove City Artist Danica Barreau Named 2026 Artist of the Year by Professional Photographers of Ohio

July 22, 2026

Danica Barreau of Pouka Art & Photography has been named Artist of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO) for the seventh time, the association announced at its annual convention on July 18, 2026. Barreau also received first place trophies in the Animal Portrait and AI Fusion categories of PPO's annual image competition.

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July 22, 2026

July 22, 2026

A WEEKEND AT THE PP OF OHIO CONVENTION

July 22, 2026

I'm just back from the Professional Photographers of Ohio convention, still catching my breath. A look back at the weekend, the people, and an image competition that ended with Artist of the Year.